When John Lennon sang Imagine and Led Zeppelin performed the Stairway to Heaven, there is one very striking similarity between the two music greats: oneness – oneness with ourselves and with every other human being on the face of the Earth. There is no person inferior or superior to the other.

In a world that is full of hate and suffering, with conflicts and wars left and right, abuses and maltreatments everywhere you turn, you may sometimes need to question, is this really what man is for? Whatever happened to the world community that everyone keeps talking about? While many exalt about the existence of God in their lives, they still do remorseless acts against other human beings who may share a different idea.

There was once a kid who asked his father why there is so much violence in the world. He asked why people are killing each other, hurting one another, hating them so much enough to kill them. He then asked if the internal organs of other people are different from his own. He asked if the color of the skin of others also reflect the differences in the way the body is structured. Is it true that others do not have hearts, lungs, brains, or even kidneys? Or perhaps, their bones and muscles are far different from our own? The father can only shake his head. Here is an innocent child wondering why grownups are behaving like animals butchering their own.

The Ahithreehah philosophy is something that many have not heard of as a term. However, as a concept, it is something that is embodied in certain religions of the world. Unfortunately, not everyone share these ideals.

What is Ahithreehah?

In a single word, Ahithreehah simply means ‘brotherhood’.

While many have different understanding of what brotherhood really means, the philosophy being espoused by Ahithreehah is something that knows no boundaries, no limitations, no ifs, and no buts. It is the epitome of what some of the world’s greatest artists, spiritual leaders, and martial artists have dedicated their lives to perfecting. It literally means ‘laughing with my brother’.

The whole point about Ahithreehah is to have an entirely different viewpoint where man can literally coexist in harmony with others. No conflict, no selfishness, no hurting and pain, no indifference and callousness. While it may seem to be more a figment of someone’s very idealistic tendencies, it clearly is not. Ahithreehah has been practiced by many in the South and East Asia as a means to achieve inner contentment, inner peace. By harmonizing themselves with their inner self and finding it in their hearts to project this inner peace and harmony outwards to other individuals, the concept of Ahithreehah is more than just an ideal concept. It is a lifestyle. It is a choice – a way of life that speaks volumes about one’s relationship with his God, his self, and all human beings around him.

Is it easy to profess Ahithreehah?

Like any philosophy, it takes firm dedication and commitment to make the necessary changes in your life. It entails modifying your beliefs about humankind and the unique attributes of humans that make them, well, humans. Ahithreehah is embracing the idea that everyone is your brother (and sister) who deserve your compassion, caring, respect, and trust. Regardless of blood relationship, other individuals are perceived as family in the sense that the sympathy, concern and kindness are naturally practiced.

Maybe, after all that is said and done, John Lennon’s Imagine might all become a reality for humankind. You might be able to relate to the lyrics of this song and relate your life with it.